Valérie Plante: “Today is an opportunity… to begin true reconciliation”

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante shared a message this morning, in the wake of the discovery of unmarked graves outside three former residential schools in B.C. and Saskatchewan over the past month. Her message was one of empathy and solidarity with Indigenous Peoples, addressing the need for true reconciliation and encouraging Montrealers to work on building a more inclusive society.

“Today is Canada Day. It is an opportunity to celebrate what unites us, but this year is also the time to reflect on the wounds that some of our compatriots bear and to begin a true reconciliation.

“Over the past few weeks, we have been shaken by tragic discoveries made at the sites of former residential schools.

“On this July 1st, let us have a thought for the missing persons and for all those who remain marked by this dark side of our history.

“Together, let’s work to build a fairer and more inclusive society.”

—Valérie Plante

(1/3) Aujourd'hui, c’est la fête du Canada. C’est l’occasion de célébrer ce qui nous unit, mais cette année, c’est aussi le moment de réfléchir aux blessures que portent certains de nos compatriotes et d’amorcer une véritable réconciliation. #polmtl

— Valérie Plante (@Val_Plante) July 1, 2021

En ce 1er juillet, ayons une pensée pour les personnes disparues et pour toutes celles qui demeurent marquées par ce pan sombre de notre histoire.

Ensemble, travaillons à bâtir une société plus juste et plus inclusive. #polmtl

— Valérie Plante (@Val_Plante) July 1, 2021

To access the National Indian Residential School Crisis Line, please call 1-866-925-4419. To read Justin Trudeau’s thoughts about truth and reconciliation on Canada Day, please click here.

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